What to Expect
Remodeling your home is a big step and a big process. To make the process as
rewarding and successful as possible, please read through the following
information.
BEFORE
Site Prep – You will be responsible for moving large and/or valuable
items. Also, we ask that you clean out cabinets and remove small items and
art/wall hangings that might be adversely affected by the construction.
Site Access – Typically, we keep a key in a lock box on the main
construction entry/exit door so that the key never leaves the site. This way, if
your Project Manager happens to be away from the job, another MHR representative
can meet trades, etc. Please let us know if we may have a key and use a lock
box, or if you prefer another arrangement. Also, please let us know if you have
an alarm system.
Photos – Your Project Manager will ask your permission to take
“before” photos in order to document your project. We will also take photos
throughout the project and may ask your permission to take professional photos
of the finished product. These photos may appear on our web site or in our
marketing materials, although we will not use your name or address without your
permission.
Prepare yourself for…
Delays – Suppliers are sometimes out of stock, bad weather sometimes occurs,
we’re sometimes surprised by what we find when we open a wall, trade contractors
sometimes get held up on other jobs and can’t start yours when scheduled…
unfortunately, unexpectedly and despite our best efforts, delays happen.
Inconvenience – For several weeks or months depending on the scope of
the project, construction crews will be in and out of your house. We work hard
to respect your privacy, but the presence of non-family members may feel like an
invasion of your personal space. Be sure to set aside a room in your house where
your family can escape from the noise and commotion.
Disruption of your routine – The construction schedule we establish
may impact your usual daily routines. Although it can seem somewhat of a hassle,
try to remember that at the end of the process, you will have a new kitchen,
bathroom, media room, room addition, or outdoor living area that you will enjoy
for years to come. Bear with us!
DURING
Hours of Work – We typically work Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
unless other arrangements are made. We will make every effort to be on time;
however, there may be times when trade contractors arrive slightly late. The
presence of a Project Manager is dependent on the schedule and workload of your
project.
Things that Affect the Work Schedule:
- Your household’s morning routine
- Permission to enter the job site if we arrive early
- What time you leave for work and the time your kids leave for school
- Your weekly activities that might affect our presence on the site
- Holidays, vacations and special occasions
Communication – Montelongo Homes and Remodeling assigns a Project
Manager to manage the day-to-day aspects of your project. Jobs run more smoothly
when all communication is funneled through him or her, including issues
regarding trade contractors. Trade contractors take instructions best from our
Project Managers, and it allows us to properly manage all aspects of the job.
For everyone’s protection, we prefer written communication. Each week, your
Project Manager will provide you an electronic written report detailing the
week’s progress and what is scheduled to happen the following week.
Change Orders – Any deviations from the final plans will be completed
via change orders, which will be priced and presented to you for approval prior
to the work being done. If you decide you want to change something, please
contact your Project Manager as soon as possible as it may affect other aspects
of the project and could result in a delay. Payment for this additional work is
due upon your approval of a change order.
Progress Meetings – At a point near the middle of the project, usually
right before drywall starts, and at any other time you request, we will set up
another meeting to review the checklist, the job schedule, and any other items
of interest or concern. The Design Representative and Project Manager will be
present for this meeting.
Dust – Construction is a dusty process, so please understand that
although we will make every effort to minimize and contain our dust, you will
see some throughout your house (even in rooms we’re not working in). We will
cover anything you ask us to, and it helps to change your A/C filter often.
Lunch – Most of our workers will leave the site.
Restroom – Our trades will not use your restroom. Our policy requires
them to use an off-site facility. If your project is in a rural area or somewhat
distant from a facility, a portable toilet may be set up at a suitable location
that you help us to determine.
Clean Up – Your site will be left “broom clean” at the end of each
work day.
Project Disbursements – Project disbursements are due upon completion
of specific phases of your project as outlined in our Construction Agreement.
Prompt payment is necessary to ensure your project schedule is not disrupted.
You may mail in your payment, drop it by our office at 14855 Blanco Rd., Suite
309 (map) or feel free to give it to your Project Manager.
Children – Construction sites can be dangerous for children, so we ask
that children be kept away from the area during work hours. If it’s necessary
for your children to be either in or around the work areas at times, please
supervise them closely.
Pets – Remodeling can be a trying experience on your pet. Many new
faces will be coming and going. We will try to accommodate your pet as best as
possible. Please inform us what to do if your pet "gets out" and any gates/doors
that need to be kept closed.
Parking – We will need to clearly define parking areas as we will
sometimes have multiple vehicles on site and do not want to inconvenience you or
your neighbors or violate any neighborhood rules. Please let us know of any
specific concerns or rules.
Material Storage – We will ask you to identify an accessible area,
such as one side of the garage, where we may store salvaged and newly delivered
materials. This area should be secure to prevent theft.
Debris Removal – We will either set up a debris container or establish
a debris pile for regular pick-up by our own trucks. A suitable location for
either a container or a pile needs to be determined.
Landscaping – During the normal course of construction, damage to the
driveway, curbs, sidewalks, patios, adjoining plantings and sod may be
unavoidable. Montelongo Homes and Remodeling and the contractor are not
responsible for this damage, but will make every effort to avoid or minimize
such damage.
Conduct – All workers on your job have been asked to keep their shirts
on at all times; to play their radios at a low volume; and to clean up after
themselves. In addition, our workers are prohibited from smoking on your job
site. Please advise the Project Manager or Rick Montelongo if any of these rules
are not followed.
Yard Sign – We would like your permission to put one of our signs in
your yard. The majority of our business comes from word of mouth advertising.
This sign not only helps our company generate business, but it also gives your
neighbors our phone number in case they have any problems or concerns regarding
our activity in the neighborhood. The sign also serves as a marker for material
deliveries and trade contractors.
Moonlighting – Our employees and crews are not allowed to perform work
for our clients outside of Montelongo Homes and Remodeling’s specified
assignment. Unauthorized work of this nature could result in an employee’s
termination.
AFTER
Final Walk-Through – Your Project Manager will schedule a final walk-through
meeting with you at the completion of your project. At this time, both you and
your Project Manager will identify any outstanding work and/or small repairs
that will be made (sometimes referred to as a “punch list” or “completion list”)
and schedule a time for these to be completed. 60-Day Follow Up – During the
final walk-through, your Project Manager will schedule a date for the 60-day
inspection to check on your completed project.
Typical Project Costs and Returns
The Benefits of Choosing a Design/Build Firm
Steps in the Design/Remodel Process
What to Expect
